Since Kanye West's performed in an entirely white pair of the sneakers at the Billboard Music Awards back in 2015, the Ultra Boost has blurred the line between fashion and performance sneaker more than few others. It's understated silhouette, simple colorways and woven Primeknit upper makes it the most stylish performance running sneaker made in recent memory (especially when worn with track pants). Most importantly, of the dozens of pairs of shoes I've worn in the past couple years, the Ultra Boost is decidedly the most comfortable. The full length Boost foam-lined sole kinda looks like you're walking on styrofoam. It feels like you're walking on memory foam.

Well, Adidas did just that with the Womens Boots Hunter Original Short Bright Cerise, released back in September of this year. Billed as a fall and winter weather-variant of the Ultra Boost, the ATR sports an ankle-height sock for increased stability and splash protection, plus a deeper-grooved rubber outsole for better traction while running in wet weather. The original's plastic lace cage is replaced with Primeknit fabric, plus a smaller box that sits atop the shoe. Finally, the ATR comes in darker colorways Womens Sandals Naturalizer Finale Camelot Leather,Nike Air Max 1 Ultra Womens Light Silver/Shark/Turquoise/Spring Leaf/White Running Shoes V62279,Womens Shoes Naturalizer Sharon Black Shiny, as to not show winter muck after a damp run. Adidas sent me a pair to review, so I took them not only to the damp streets of Portland, but to the streets of New York.

As for the on-foot feel, the ATR is comfortable, but not quite as comfortable as the original Ultra Boost. Though the ATR's tougher sole provides better traction than the original it leads to an on-foot feeling that isn't quite as heavenly.

If you plan on doing this a bunch, the ATR is an excellent option. (Adidas)

As far as long-term wear goes, I took my ATRs to the streets of New York on a recent trip to test them out. They held up nicely during what I'd consider an everyday amount of activity (~2-3 miles of walking broken up with extended sitting breaks), my feet not getting particularly sore despite a long stroll through Women's Nike Speedlax 5 Turf Hyper Orange/White/White UK#N5-9527,. But on two particularly grueling days, the first, an hours-long punk show on wood and concrete floors, and the second, Womens Boots Sam Edelman Paige Pink/Ivory Wayne Nubuck Leather,Men's Nike The Overplay VIII Black/Antracite/Silver/Metallic Silver UK#N5-9627,Womens Shoes Sam Edelman Liam Modern Ivory,, my dogs were certainly barkin' when I returned home. Though I don't consider those days representative of normal use, the ATR, despite above-average comfort, is not a miracle worker.

Now, what about actually running in my running shoes? I'm not a hardcore or regular runner: My cardiovascular health is slightly above average at best, but I can put away 5 kilometers without trouble, and I did just that on the treadmill and on Portland's waterfront.

On the treadmill, the ATR provided a solid, comfortable ride. Perhaps it is because running on a treadmill is excruciatingly boring, but I found myself paying more attention to my body during this run, and I noted that the ankle sock kept my feet feeling more secured than with my normal low top running shoe Projekts NYC Junior Denton Hooded Top CP419,.

However, the ATR really shined when running outside on a blustery November evening. Womens Shoes Saucony Carrera XC W Teal/Pink/Citron,adidas Originals Junior Gazelle 2 Trainer CP594,Womens Boots Timberland Savin Hill Medium Shaft Tall Boot Wheat Forty Leather,, partially down the Eastbank Esplanade and back on a damp day. It wasn't raining, but it had rained plenty earlier, and the path was slick and covered with fallen leaves.

And I just completely disappeared into my run Womens Boots UGG Analise Chestnut Suede,Nike Junior Air Max 2016 Trainer CP678,Womens Boots UGG Dixi Flora Perf Light Grey Water Resistant Suede,. Maybe it was because the Old Town sign was extra-glittery that evening, but, Womens Slippers UGG Ansley Antoinette Burgundy Wine Textile,Foray Marble Regular Fit 3D Jean CP844,Womens Sandals Vaneli Dandy Multi Darry Print, as one wants when on a fairly intense run, I barely noticed the shoes on my feet as I jogged along the Willamette.Womens Shoes Vaneli Chineka Taupe E-Print/Mtch Elastic,Condemned Nation Beccles Hooded Top CP983,Womens Shoes Vaneli Garim Pewter Pearl/Grey Patent, I had no issues with tightness, and the traction was excellent along wet concrete and the ostensibly slick floating metal bridge of the Esplanade. The only thing I really noticed was a slight bounce between my foot and the sole as I ran.

Now, is all of this worth the $220 price tag? If your running shoe or fashion sneaker budget is high, then Nike II,Ice Cream Varsity Hooded Top CP1077,Nike Storm-FIT Hyperadapt Full-Zip, nabs you a stylish, high-performing variant on a cool sneaker that'll help you push through Portland's blusteriest winter days. Yet, if you aren't committed to winter running, $220 is a high price to pay for a sneaker that mostly just looks cool. ESS Bulky Jacket M,adidas Originals Bulls Full Zip Varsity Jacket CP1192,Women's Jardineto Jumpsuit, As someone who gets my cardio in elsewhere, I wouldn't personally spend the $220 on a performance shoe which I am not using for its intended purpose.

Then again, I will be taking my next few runs to the streets in my ATRs as long as it isn't raining sideways.

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